RABODIRECT PRO12 Dragons v Ulster:STEPHEN FERRIS' troublesome back again precludes him from playing, despite a prognosis earlier in the week he would be fit.
Ulster coach Mark Anscombe shuffles his playing resources with Craig Gilroy, Paul Marshall, Declan Fitzpatrick and Lewis Stevenson promoted to the starting line-up. There are a number of positional switches the most noteworthy in an Ireland context, a decision to play Tommy Bowe at fullback. Ireland coach Declan Kidney will be interested to see how Bowe fares, given his depleted resources in that position for the upcoming November Tests. Bowe played there occasionally for the Ospreys and more regularly as an underage international.
The impressive Jared Payne is rested – initially at least as he is included among the replacements – having played every minute of Ulster’s campaign to date. Andrew Trimble moves to the right wing with Gilroy on the left. Paul Marshall’s inclusion at scrumhalf sees Ruan Pienaar take over Paddy Jackson’s role at outhalf.
Up front Declan Fitzpatrick has recovered from knee ligament damage. Lewis Stevenson will deputise for Johann Müller with Chris Henry taking over the captaincy.
The Dragons have made two changes with Adam Jones named in the secondrow while Jevon Groves replaces last week’s captain Lewis Evans who is out with a groin injury. There is no place for Jamie Smyth against his former team-mates as the Ballymena man is absent with an ankle injury.
Ulster, who have an unbeaten record in all competitions, and sit proudly atop the RaboDirect Pro 12 table, will be keen to maintain that momentum at Rodney Parade where they have won just once in their last six visits. Offering a counterbalance to that statistic is the fact the Irish province has prevailed on both trips to Wales this season.
Müller’s absence will be felt. He exudes authority and a calm footballing intelligence that gives the team direction; this is quite apart from his talent as a player.
Henry is well versed with the demands of captaincy and although it won’t be at the forefront of his mind, an eye-catching performance could have positive connotations in an Irish context.
The Dragons are doughty in their own backyard. Tom Prydie is an accomplished place-kicker, Andy Tuilagi a formidable presence in midfield, while wings Will Harries and Tonderai Chavanga are quick. Welsh number eight, Toby Faletau is a ball carrying focal point for a gritty pack.
There has been an efficiency in which Ulster have eked out victories even when they haven’t been at their best and for that reason they’ll be confident of extending that winning start to the season.
NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS: T Prydie; W Harries, A Hughes, A Tuilagi, T Chavhanga; L Robling, J Evans; O Evans, S Jones (capt), N Buck; A Jones, R Sidoli; T Brown, J Groves, T Faletau. Replacements: S Parry, N Williams, D Way, I Nimmo, N Cudd, L Davies, S Jones, P Leach.
ULSTER: T Bowe; A Trimble, D Cave, P Wallace, C Gilroy; R Pienaar, P Marshall; T Court, R Best, D Fitzpatrick; L Stevenson, D Tuohy; I Henderson, C Henry (capt), N Williams. Replacements: N Brady, C Black, J Afoa, M McComish, R Wilson, P Jackson, L Marshall, J Payne.
Referee: P Fitzgibbon(Ireland).
